With the World Cup a mere three weeks away, Business Link is urging businesses to ensure they prepare themselves for one of the biggest sporting events of the year.
A recent PricewaterhouseCoopers poll* found that one in four employees is planning to watch the tournament in working hours, highlighting the need for businesses to prepare for key staff members taking holiday leave or requesting flexible working hours.
One business that is making special preparations for the World Cup is London-based recruitment company, Spotlight Recruitment. Managing Director, Nicola Stafford says: “We certainly understand the importance of major sporting events, especially the World Cup, to our staff and have made sure that they are able to watch games on large screen TVs during breaks. We also see the tournament as a great opportunity to team build so we’ve organised football-themed evening events that we can all take part in.
“Staff motivation is a key part of our success. To be the best in our field we have to recruit and retain the best, and so we have to motivate our staff, whatever else is going on. While our clients always come first, events like the World Cup can be incorporated into the work-life balance successfully if prepared for, and this is always appreciated by staff. Business Link has helped us in that planning. They’ve been an excellent source of advice, particularly in understanding the different ways that we can manage World Cup fever to have minimal impact on the business whilst also keeping our staff happy and motivated, unless, of course, England loses!”
Business Link adviser, John Grange says: “The World Cup will lead to a number of people wanting time off to enjoy the games. As a result, employers need to prepare for an increase in annual leave requests and the effect this will have on their business.
“It’s important to communicate to your staff exactly what your plans are for the World Cup. Your flexibility and innovation will be welcomed by staff and will increase morale.”
The World Cup kicks off on Friday 11 June at 3pm with England’s first game against the USA on Saturday 12 June at 7.30pm.
